While it literally rained on their parade, Los Baños residents were not deterred from celebrating the 22nd Bañamos Festival at the UPLB campus grounds on Sept 23-24.
Three hundred UPLB constituents, led by Chancellor Jose V. Camacho, Jr., celebrated with them. Faculty, staff members, and students from the UPLB Reserve Officers’ Training Corps class later became part of the festivity.
The Bañamos Civic Parade began at TRACE College, traversed the length of Lopez Avenue, and culminated at the UPLB Freedom Park, where the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta Trade Fair and Bayle sa Kalye were also held.
Prior to the parade, hundreds of participants joined the Color Run that traversed Lopez Avenue and some of the major roads on campus. The run for a cause was held for the benefit of dialysis patients of Los Baños.
Meanwhile, at the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta Trade Fair, giant, colorful hot air balloons were displayed, making for an even more festive atmosphere and photo-worthy moments.
The fair also featured local traders, buskers, and cosplayers alongside the Bayle sa Kalye street dance competition, which was held in front of the DL Umali Auditorium.
Brgy. Maahas remained the defending champion of the competition, followed by Brgys. Batong Malake, Mayondon, Lalakay, and Malinta.
Following the Saturday activities, bikers and enthusiasts joined the Padyak LB, a ride-for-a-cause intended for cervical cancer detection and prevention.
The Sunday morning event was held for participants to appreciate and enjoy the town’s scenic spots, including the UPLB campus as the bike route’s converging station.
As one of the major partners of the Los Baños local government unit, UPLB, through the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs, mobilized its offices to host this year’s Bañamos Festival.
The Business Affairs Office, Office of Public Relations, Security and Safety Office, University Health Service, and University Planning and Maintenance Office collaborated to ensure the administrative, logistical, engineering, publicity, traffic, and security and safety requirements during the celebration.Chancellor Camacho issued Memorandum No. 124 Series of 2023 encouraging UPLB constituents to participate and Memorandum No. 132 Series of 2023 suspending classes in UPLB to enable students to participate in the celebration. (Roi Mojado)